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Movies have the power to make us feel a whole range of emotions, from joy and laughter to fear and suspense. But perhaps one of the most powerful emotions a film can elicit is sadness.
Certain scenes have been so beautifully crafted that they tug at our heartstrings and make us shed a tear, or in some instances, a river of tears.
1. The Lion King – Mufasa’s Death
Disney has a knack for creating heartrending scenes, and the death of Mufasa in The Lion King is arguably one of the most tear-jerking in animation history.
The innocent Simba‘s desperate attempts to wake his father and his cries for help are enough to make anyone tear up.
2. The Notebook – The Final Scene
This grand love story ends with an undeniably heart-wrenching scene. Allie and Noah, the elderly couple at the heart of The Notebook, die together in their sleep, holding hands.
As the ultimate demonstration of everlasting love, this scene has left many a viewer sobbing into their popcorn.
3. Titanic – Jack’s Death
No list of tearful movie moments would be complete without the tragic ending of Titanic. Despite the freezing temperatures of the Atlantic waters, Jack stays in the water so that Rose can survive on the floating door.
His final words, Never let go, before succumbing to the cold, are a poignant reminder of his selfless love.
4. Up – The Opening Montage
The opening montage of Up is a masterclass in storytelling. In just a few minutes, we see the entire love story of Carl and Ellie, from their childhood dreams to their shared old age.
The scene of Ellie’s funeral is particularly poignant, leaving audiences in tears within the first ten minutes of the movie.
5. Schindler’s List – The Girl in the Red Coat
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is filled with devastating scenes, but none are as haunting as the image of the little girl in the red coat.
This is the only color scene in an otherwise black and white film, making her stand out in the midst of the Holocaust’s horrors and bringing the impact of the tragedy into sharp focus.
Movies have the power to move us in profound ways, and these tear-jerking scenes are a testament to that. If you’ve been moved by these scenes, we invite you to share this article on social media and explore our other rankings.
As we continue to navigate the world of cinema, we’re sure to encounter even more moments that will make us laugh, gasp, and of course, cry.